Aleksey Muratov: In 2017 blockchain will be applied in one of the leading Russian regions

As Chairman of the Board of the International Public Movement Change the World Together (CWT) Aleksey Muratov informed, in January 2017 Russian Vnesheconombank plans to sign an agreement of intent for use blockchain technology in one of the regions of the country.

According to Aleksey Muratov, such a statement yesterday, on December 26, was made by VEB's chairman Sergey Gorkov. "Vnesheconombank of Russia is considering the possibility of applying blockchain in one of the three regions. Perhaps it will be the Kola Peninsula – there is a very cheap energy, St. Petersburg – there is a nuclear power plant, or one of the central regions of Russia. So far, according to VEB information, the project is at the stage of study," Chairman of the Board of CWT said. He noted that the competition will allow up to three members.

At the same time, Aleksey Muratov said that for Russia it is rather a pilot project, a trial balloon, and therefore the amount of investment is not large. "It is planned to invest 100-150 million dollars in the project. However, in the near future blockchain could become one of the leading financial technologies in Russia," he said.

As a recent example of effective use of blockchain Aleksey Muratov recalled the first transaction of services payment via letters of credit using smart contracts based on blockchain technology, which took place on December 21, which was attended by S7 Airlines airline and Alfa-Bank.

"It should also be noted that in 2017 the Central Bank of Russia intends to propose to the State Duma a number of changes in the legislation relating to the application of financial technology. I am confident that these factors will have a positive impact on the implementation of blockchain in the financial structure of Russia," Aleksey Muratov summed up.